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In response to “House approves $9.7B in Superstorm Sandy Relief” (Jan. 5):
Republicans who said no to Sandy aid not always so stingy
The House voted for 9.7 billion dollars to help those who were devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The vote was 354 in favor with 67 “NO” votes. Needless to say, all of the “NO” votes were by the Republicans
I am quite sure that all of those “NAY” votes would have been “YES” if it were to give the rich more tax breaks, the oil companies more subsidies, and corporate America more tax loopholes.
Joseph Pepe
Charlotte
Math adds up to stark example of disenfranchising voters
Where does 31 percent = 50.6 percent? Well, right here in the Banana Republic of North Carolina, that’s where.
“Huh?” you may be thinking. OK, here’s how the last election played out. Democrats received 50.6 percent of the votes for House of Representatives to only 48.75 percent for Republicans yet were only awarded four of the 13 House seats, or 31 percent of the seats.
We are disenfranchising American voters and that is not only un-American and undemocratic but also sets a poor example to other countries as they struggle to create their own democracies. North Carolina can and should do better.
Bob Harrison
Wingate
In response to “Firearm permits surging in region” and “The Sandy Hook rule: Stop watching TV, movie violence” (Jan. 6):
We should stand up for children and stand up to the NRA
The front page headline on firearm permits made my skin crawl. It is frightening that many think more guns are the answer. Then I read Rev. James Howell’s article, which is so on point with caring and compassion for the children and others killed at Sandy Hook. He says it like it is – we forget so fast and are too accepting of the violence on TV and in the movies.
The NRA should not rule our Congress, and if it continues to do so we need to put our energies into electing men and women that will stand up to them and their bullying tactics. Our houses of worship urge us to follow the golden rule; let’s add another, “Remember the Children Rule.”
Barbara Ziegler
Charlotte
In response to “NCAA suit has little merit” (Jan. 6 U.S. Opinions):
NCAA did not give Penn State the due process it deserved
I question why fines, sanctions, and penalties have been levied against Penn State when, according to this editorial, the individuals involved “have yet to face trial for child endangerment and other criminal counts in the alleged cover-up.” Where is the due process guaranteed by the Fifth and 14th Amendments to the Constitution in this case? Why have penalties been given before these individuals have been tried in a court of law?
Let’s have a real trial first and penalties second, if warranted.
Richard A. French
Davidson
In response to “CEOs should cut own salaries so workers get health benefits” (Jan. 6 Forum):
Why are some so quick to judge what a CEO makes and does?
I don’t know, as the writer of this letter apparently does, how much Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter is paid annually for his investment and risk, how much he might give to charity or whether he volunteers some of his time to helping the underprivileged.
How presumptuous and self-righteous to shine one’s halo in a public forum.
Gordon Hirshman
Denver, N.C.
Aren’t taxpayers already paying to use our national highways?
It has been suggested that we should pay a toll or a tax to use Interstate 77. This is a national highway. Our tax dollars already assisted in the building of it.
North Carolina has the highest gas tax in the United States and a substantial amount of that tax is for roads. Before the State decides on toll or tax for I-77 or any other road, I think there should be an audit of the gas tax revenue to show how and where that tax is used.
Jim Buchanan
Charlotte
Thankful that Congress doesn’t have even more responsibility
Had a dream last night where an asteroid big enough to destroy the Earth was headed in our direction. In this nightmare, the responsibility for destroying this monster before it reached us was turned over to Congress.
John Huson
Charlotte
We seem to have forgotten the purpose of the 2nd Amendment
How sad that have we forgotten that the Second Amendment was drafted and passed specifically to prevent the new federal government from confiscating weapons owned by the citizenry, thus leaving them helpless against federal usurpation of powers.
Without that protection, the Constitution would be meaningless, and the President (in control of the army) could become just another absolute monarch – the very point of having left England and the British monarchy in the first place.
G. J. Brenner
Matthews
